2021 Lexus UX 250h
| MSRP | $39,165 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $38,717 |
What Should I Pay
11 for sale near you
2021 Lexus UX 250h Review
- High fuel economy
- Lots of standard and optional safety tech
- Maneuverable around town thanks to small dimensions
- Infotainment interface can be difficult to use
- Tepid acceleration
- Limited rear legroom
- Cargo area has a high liftover height
- Redesigned cargo area adds more capacity
- New Black Line Special Edition package limited to 1,000 units
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard
- Part of the first UX generation introduced for 2019
At first glance, the 2021 Lexus UX 250h has a lot going for it: an attractive base price, lots of standard features, and expressive styling for an extra-small crossover SUV. The interior is quite a looker, too, as it shares a common design language with pricier Lexus models. Rounding out the list of strengths is its hybrid powertrain, which gives the UX 250h excellent fuel economy — 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA.
Few other luxury automakers bother offering a hybrid powertrain in their little SUVs. You won't find one in the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA, for instance. But not everything is great in Lexus town; the lethargic acceleration and cumbersome infotainment interface make us frown. How much do these drawbacks sour the overall experience? Learn more by reading our in-depth Expert Rating on the 2021 UX 250h.
Our verdict | |
The Lexus UX 250h is a stylish and fuel-efficient SUV. A distinctive interior design helps set it apart. But it's very slow, and traces of its Toyota Corolla roots come through in the on-road experience, making the high price tag hard to swallow. | |
How does the UX 250h drive? | |
The UX 250h is smooth around town, but it's also very slow, especially for a luxury vehicle. In our testing, accelerating to 60 mph took a leisurely 10 seconds. The vehicle's steering is nicely weighted, and the UX has some of the fun responsiveness found in the Toyota Corolla (to which it's related), but the added height and weight make for pronounced body roll through corners. Overall, the hybrid UX is most comfortable with city driving, where the engine can stay in its acceptably torquey midrange, and there's no call for real handling prowess. Unfortunately, the brakes aren't easy to control to get the amount of stopping power you want and can feel jerky at low speeds. | |
How comfortable is the UX 250h? | |
The UX 250h is a comfortable vehicle, but it doesn't quite offer what we'd expect for the money. The seats are a strong point, with soft leather and padding that proves supportive even on longer drives. Although there's little wind noise and no engine noise while cruising, the engine kicks up an unpleasant racket when you ask for power. You're also exposed to traffic noise and intrusive pinging from the tires over rough pavement. The suspension smooths out bumps, but the run-flat tires make for a busier ride than we'd like. With some controls hidden in infotainment menus, the climate control system is best left in its capable auto mode. Some vents are unfortunately close to the driver's hands and can be loud even at partial power. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The UX's cabin is surprisingly spacious, but it's not the easiest to live with. Both front and rear passengers have lots of room, with space in the back for full-size adults. However, the seating position works better for people who like to sit low in the vehicle. It's not so great if you prefer sitting upright in your SUV. There's limited steering-wheel telescoping, although the front seats offer good height adjustability. That's necessary since at their lowest setting the front seats can be tough for people with limited mobility to get in and out of. The control layout takes a while to get used to and is less intuitive overall than some rival setups. Also thick roof pillars, particularly around the rear hatch, limit overall visibility. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Lexus' trackpad-based infotainment system is one of the more distracting interfaces to navigate within the luxury space. Voice controls are functional but a bit limited, and they require quite a few guided steps to complete certain commands. There are plenty of charging options around the cabin, including two USB ports for rear passengers, but you only get Apple CarPlay and not Android Auto. On the plus side, the sound system is what we'd expect from a Lexus, offering a lot of quality at any volume. Basic active safety features are standard, which is still a bit uncommon for a luxury vehicle. But the driver aids are overcautious, with overly long following distances and sharp stops in traffic. Definitely not a premium experience. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The UX 250h's 42 mpg combined rating is quite impressive for a subcompact luxury SUV. Based on our real-world testing, that EPA estimate is realistic. The vehicle's tuning makes it straightforward to drive efficiently without feeling like the car is lagging or punishing you when you ask for power. | |
Is the UX 250h a good value? | |
The UX comes with a nicely designed and constructed interior with a lot of soft-touch materials. Every surface seems to have some sort of texturing, which adds depth and visual interest to the cabin. Lexus' warranty is typically better than average. If you value fuel economy and a reputation for reliability, the UX 250h has you covered. But if you're looking for luxury value-for-money, you'll likely be disappointed. Our test vehicle totaled more than $40,000, right about where the base midsize RX 350 starts. You can opt for a cheaper version with fewer tech and material upgrades, but that starts to get dangerously close to a well-equipped RAV4 Hybrid. | |
Wildcard | |
The UX 250h has more personality than the regular UX 200. The design and execution help set it apart from just about every competitor. But that doesn't make it fun. The hybrid UX lacks the gas model's zippiness and adds weight. While the chassis the vehicle shares with the Corolla is predictable and capable of having fun, it's stifled under all the Lexusness and hybridization and needs to really be coaxed out. | |
Which UX 250h does Edmunds recommend?
Two of the Lexus UX 250h's most appealing attributes are its healthy list of standard features and low price. We don't think it makes much sense to go crazy with the options. So we'd put our money behind the base model. The Premium package is worth adding since it doesn't cost much and brings ventilated front seats, which are a rarity in this class.
Lexus UX 250h models
The 2021 Lexus UX 250h is a subcompact SUV sold in three trim levels: base, F Sport and Luxury. All use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system to provide a total of 181 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Lexus also sells the non-hybrid UX 200, which is reviewed separately.
Save as much as $448 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2021 Lexus UX 250h pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay$38,717
6 for sale in 20147
F SPORT
2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay$40,278
2 for sale in 20147
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Lexus UX 250h.
Trending topics in reviews
- value
- brakes
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- technology
- electrical system
- engine
- appearance
- interior
- fuel efficiency
Most helpful consumer reviews
4/5 stars, Great choice for urban transportation
KTJadon,
4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I had two NX f sports before this which were
fantastic. It’s been about a month now with the Ux. I have been intrigued with this since it came on the market. It drives amazingly well for a small wheelbase car. The gas mileage is double that of the nx and takes regular fuel which the nx turbo does not. What I don’t understand is why Lexus got rid of the Siri Hands Free feature that now only works if you plug in for Apple CarPlay. So if you like that former feature be ready. Apparently it’s across their entire line of vehicles. Really dumb decision. So I will lease it inexpensively for two years and tool around very efficiently. For now it’s a modern and much cheaper alternative to going electric.
Finally I don’t understand why they make it so difficult to get the luxury package which really would make it a true Lexus.
5/5 stars, An Awesome Vehicle With a Few Considerations
Justin,
4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
A bit about me, I measure less than 6'0" and have been driving a Toyota Prius for the better part of 8 or so years now and just recently purchased the Lexus UX250h as my primary vehicle. Generally speaking, most of my weekly driving is spent on the highway on a commute to work but I also have an occasional several hundred mile drive to visit family and an every now-and-then need to move cargo like moving boxes, tables, and chairs around for friends.
I'm happy to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed practically every bit about this car so far. If I'm being honest, I did have a few hesitations based on some reviews and videos I watched while I was researching online, so I'm going to try to address those points based on my own experience just below:
INITIAL RESERVATIONS
"the rear seat situation is not roomy enough"
I just spent a weekend driving two adults around seated in the rear seats who both measure about 5'6" and neither complained at all about the leg room, head room, or width of the rear seats. Yes, it is slightly smaller than some other vehicles (like the Prius), but the comfort of the seats themselves make it a pleasant and cozy enough ride. Again, highly contingent on how tall you (the driver) and your passengers are, I'd go as far to say that if you are under 6'0" it should be a pretty enjoyable ride throughout.
"not enough cargo space in the trunk"
Totally subjective to your needs, but I found going from a Prius (which I think has a ton of cargo volume) to this UX250h (less space than the Prius) hasn't been an issue so far. I can fit two golf bags in the rear space when removing the cover and some pretty massive boxes when the rear seats are lowered which has more than suited my needs up to this point.
"infotainment trackpad is frustratingly annoying to use"
I don't disagree that the trackpad needs some work, but that hasn't been an issue because:
A) the most-used controls (for me, that's the A/C controls, radio on/off, and volume control) all have their own physical buttons so I don't have to use the trackpad for the most common functions. I'd like to add that the A/C control buttons are super satisfying to use, I find myself fidgeting with them all the time, kudos to Lexus on not forgetting the little details.
B) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I have never been a fan of any of the OEM-installed navigation systems ever so the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in this vehicle allows me to not only use the GPS app of my preference (Google Maps or Apple Maps are the two I use), it also allows me to use my phone to input things like addresses before I leave for my destination. Again, in this case I don't have to use the trackpad for this function either
All that said, the need for the trackpad is minimal, and even when I do have to use it I've now found that after a short while of use I am now used to its somewhat finicky design (i.e. it's not unbearably bad).
"not enough horsepower"
Once again, completely subjective (you know you), but I've found this has more than enough power for all the everyday driving situations I've run into in life. Merging onto highways, navigating stop-and-go traffic, keeping up with highway speeds so as not to interrupt the flow of traffic, and generally zipping around town have been done with ease. Will I be taking this to the track? Absolutely not. Would I be able to beat out my old Prius merging into a lane? 100%. I've come to grips with the reality that I really only need so much car to get an enjoyable and comfortable ride and this UX250h meets (and even sometimes exceeds) that.
Again, been more than happy with this vehicle so far and am looking forward to keeping it for many many years to come.
5/5 stars, I ❤️ My UX 250H
Bevnap,
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I bought the luxury trim because that’s what was available. I find this vehicle to be underpriced. I got the birch interior which is light grey with a black accent which is gorgeous. But again it’s what was available. It’s super nice to drive and I find myself driving a little slower cause I like to watch my MPG grow!! (First hybrid). The price is one of the things I like the most. I feel like this vehicle is the absolute best in its class fir the price, under 40K. I can afford a more expensive car but I don’t want to. There’s a lot of other things I want to spend money on!!!
1/5 stars, Brake shudder
Keith Williams,
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Brake shudder on stopping and moving off.Lexus aware of inherent fault.
Dealer states I need to learn to drive a hybrid.For a car of this price you think the car could adapt to my driving.
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $35,200
- MPG & Fuel
- 41 City / 38 Hwy / 39 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 181 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: N/A
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 177.0 in. / Height: 60.6 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.4 in.
- Curb Weight: 3605 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.1 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite UX 250h safety features:
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Monitors lane markings, warns you if you are drifting, and can even help steer the vehicle back into the lane of travel.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Helps drivers maintain a preset distance by adjusting the vehicle's speed in relation to the vehicle directly ahead.
- Intelligent High Beams
- Switches between high and low beams automatically by using cues from a camera that helps detect when other vehicles are present.
Lexus UX 250h vs. the competition
2021 Lexus UX 250h
2020 Mini Countryman
Lexus UX 250h vs. Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman SE is a plug-in hybrid version of Mini's largest vehicle. It can travel up to 18 miles in electric-only mode before it switches over to its turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The Mini is quicker and more fun to throw around a corner than the UX 250h, but its fuel economy isn't as good as the UX 250h's after its hybrid battery runs out of power.
Lexus UX 250h vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is not available as a hybrid, and it costs a little more than the UX 250h. But the GLA has so many outstanding attributes that we think it's the better choice of the two. Unlike some others in this class, the GLA successfully brings Mercedes' strengths to an affordable, easy-to-maneuver package.
Lexus UX 250h vs. BMW X1
As with the GLA, the BMW X1 is not available as a hybrid and costs more than the UX 250h. This is yet another case of getting what you pay for since the X1 is a pleasantly well-rounded machine. Just take it easy on the options list. Even in this wallet-friendly class, the X1 can be expensive once you start adding primo features.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus UX 250h a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 UX 250h both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.0 out of 10. You probably care about Lexus UX 250h fuel economy, so it's important to know that the UX 250h gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the UX 250h has 17.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus UX 250h. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus UX 250h?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus UX 250h:
- Redesigned cargo area adds more capacity
- New Black Line Special Edition package limited to 1,000 units
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard
- Part of the first UX generation introduced for 2019
Is the Lexus UX 250h reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus UX 250h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the UX 250h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the UX 250h's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus UX 250h a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus UX 250h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 UX 250h and gave it a 7.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 UX 250h is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus UX 250h?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus UX 250h is the 2021 Lexus UX 250h 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,200.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $35,200
- Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $39,900
- F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $37,200
What are the different models of Lexus UX 250h?
If you're interested in the Lexus UX 250h, the next question is, which UX 250h model is right for you? UX 250h variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of UX 250h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more